EMC Festival 2022 It was with curiosity and perhaps some hesitation that we gathered for the Not-So-Late Show at the EMC Festival. What would acknowledging the past and looking to the future in a “classic late show format” be like? The lights in the auditorium dimmed and the Not-So-Late Show band led us into an entertaining and moving evening. Show host Andrew Dyck (otherwise pastor at Stony Brook Fellowship in Steinbach, Man.) warmed up the audience with a monologue referring to current events and experiences with a comedic twist. It was refreshing to laugh instead of grumble at what we have been living with in the past couple of years. With the audience relaxed, it was time for comedic sketches like “Top 10 things overheard at EMC Festival.” They took inspiration from EMC “rivalries” (looking at you, fellow acronyms with “M”), Mennonite culture and EMC national office staff. The audience then indulged host Andrew by letting him catch up on a task he had neglected; writing thank you notes such as “Thank you, Dutch Blitz, for being the closest pacifists will ever get to conflict.” Yes, if you were wondering, it was another comedic sketch. Kudos to the writers behind this show. Taking a break, host Andrew, in a pre-recorded video asked locals on the streets of Steinbach “What’s Next?” Responses were mixed, but for the most part there was hope in moving forward. Common themes were being together more, better care of selves and one another, living in the moment and being prepared for future things.
What Not-SoLate Show would be complete without commercial breaks? Yes, we had those too. We were treated to glimpses of what else we could look forward to at EMC Festival (International Food Market, here we come), promotions of partners such as Steinbach Bible College, and a call to action for refugee sponsorship of Afghan Christians. When was the last time a commercial break held such inspiration? But this night wasn’t all about entertainment—it was also about being challenged and encouraged. And with that came, arguably (no offence to the other segments), the part most looked forward to—guest interviews.
PHOTOS BY JAIME LOEWEN
Not-So-Late Show | June 10, 2022
Host Andrew Dyck
Lucas Aragon and Sid Reimer began a coffee ministry in Winnipeg during the pandemic.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 19
